What Is Stainshield® Protection?
Protecting your carpet from spills and stains can be a taxing job. Despite our best efforts, it seems to be an impossible task, especially if you have small kids in the house. With Stainshield® protection, you don’t have to worry about these kinds of accidents. Stainshield® allows you proof your carpet from stains, so you never need to worry about them setting in. Read on to learn more about this amazing product.
What Is Stainshield®?
Stainshield® is a carpet protection treatment that is water-based and that is used to shield carpets from stains. Stainshield® also protects the carpet from dirt, soil and other elements that can ruin your carpets. The treatment works in a simple way. When applied, Stainshield® covers the fibers of your carpet with an invisible shield that prevents them from soaking any of the liquids that are spilled on it. This makes it easy for you to simply take a cleaning cloth and wipe the liquid off your carpet. Doing that helps to keep your carpet looking newer and you never have to worry about stains on your carpet again.
In addition to spills, Stainshield® also protects your carpet from soil particles and make it easier for you to clean them off the carpet when you do.
Stainshield’s® Impact on Carpets
If you are worried about how the carpet will look like after the treatment, you need not worry. Stainshield® will not affect the look and feel of the carpet. The only thing that changes is the ability of the carpet to repel liquids that are spilled on it. Carpets that are made up of synthetic fibers may not have the same repellent effect, but the protection is still excellent. When spills occur on such carpets, you can still easily soak up the moisture easily.
It is important to note that spills that occur should be cleaned out immediately or as soon as possible. Allowing liquids to stay on your carpet for extended periods of time can damage your carpet even if it is treated with Stainshield®. Hot drinks can also weaken the ability of the treatment to protect your carpet so exercise care when drinking or carrying these.
How Safe is Stainshield®?
If you have children or pets rolling on the carpet all day, you might be worried about how safe this treatment is. Stainshield® is completely bio-degradable and is also non-allergenic. It also has no carcinogens and no toxins whatsoever. When applied and dry, it poses no risks to human beings or pets.
When you bring your carpet or rug to Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning for Stainshield® treatment, you are getting the benefit of over 100 years of experience. We guarantee that your carpets and rugs will last much longer with our professional cleaning services. We use the latest in cleaning technology to ensure that your carpets look great and the colors don’t fade. For more information about our services contact us at 201-445-0800 or email us on Info@RugClean.net today!
Let’s Get To Know Carpet Deodorization
Sometimes your carpet can get bad odors from various sources. Some bad odors are caused by spilled food, vomit, mold, or pet urine. Accumulation of dust over time cause a musty odor, and if your house is humid, odors can also develop. If you have children who have allergies or are asthmatic, odors tend worsen the situation. More often than not, if you have a sentimental attachment to your rugs or carpets, you might decide to wash and deodorize it instead, no matter the cost.
What is Carpet Deodorization?
Carpet deodorization is the removal of odors at their source. If you have a pet, it is hard to escape pet urine on the carpet. If your house is humid or damp, the carpet becomes damp and if not taken care of, it becomes moldy and it is impossible get rid of the musty smell. After a carpet is cleaned and deodorized, it is wise to go a step further and have it protected from soaking in spilled food or liquids. This is done by using a product that creates a non-stick and invisible barrier that protects the carpet or rug from spills or dust. If your home has young children and pets, this is an important step in caring for your rugs and carpets. There are various benefits to be gained from deodorization:
Elimination of Odor Causing Bacteria
Bad odors are embarrassing, and when left too long, the source of the odor, such as food, liquid spills or pet urine might leave stains. When organic matter such as food decays, molecules break down and give off a bad smell. Carpet deodorization uses environmentally safe products that clean deep into the carpet or rug fiber and gets rid of the bad odors.
Provision of a healthy environment
Carpet deodorization especially benefits your health and that of your family, especially those with allergies or are asthmatic. If you breathe in dust or mold particles day in, day out, for a long time, it is bound to have long-lasting effects on your health. Having your carpet and rugs deodorized periodically saves you a lot of money in avoiding frequent hospital visits from allergic reactions.
When Is The Best Time To Deodorize?
The best time to deodorize your carpet after cleaning it. You can, however, do it on a regular basis if you have pets, young children, your house is damp, or you have asthmatic family members. Deodorizing does not have a limit to how many times you can do it. Getting a professional to deodorize the carpet ensures that the job is done properly, leaving your carpet smelling fresh and odor-free.
Contact Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning
Getting your carpet deodorized properly is essential. For this reason, Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning ensures you get the best deodorization services. We employ the services of professionally trained and certified carpet and rug cleaners. We use environmentally friendly products and the latest technology to deodorize your rugs and carpets. If you have any queries on deodorization, or for more information about our services contact us at 201-445-0800 or email us on Info@RugClean.net.
How To Handle Water Damaged Carpets
In areas where there are seasonal rainstorms, floods are common. Property owners in such areas have experienced water damage to their property at some point. The obvious areas that are affected by water are the flooring, especially if it is carpeted. The biggest danger comes from seepage that occurs under the carpet, causing growth of mold because of the moisture. Water damaged carpets are likely to harbor bacterial germination which poses a danger to human life and property too. Below are some tips on how to handle water damaged carpets:
Cut Off Electricity Supply
The first thing before attempting to identify the source of flooding and subsequent carpet removal, is not step into the waterlogged carpet before cutting off the electricity supply. You must be cautious in case you step into floodwater and encounter a live electricity wire and get electrocuted. If the main switch is inside the flooded area, call the power company for help.
Shut Off the Water Supply
Find out the source of the flooding in case it is not rain-related. If the water damage is because of broken plumbing or leakage, you must shut off the water supply. Repair damaged plumbing before attempting to remove the water damaged carpets. If the damage or leak is not something you can handle, call a plumber to fix it for you before any carpet restoration attempt. If the leakage is not major, but you still do not fix it properly, you are likely to be faced with carpet damage from mold and a huge water bill.
Remove Excess Water
Once you have plugged the water source, remove the excess water by either using buckets or towels, or mopping the water if it is not too much. After removing the water, open the windows to allow air to circulate. Turn on any ceiling fans and make use of humidifiers to remove the moisture.
Dry Carpet Completely
If the carpet is not dried out completely, dampness will settle in and mold will follow, which will damage the carpet even more. Mold is risky for your family’s health, especially for those already with respiratory issues. Rolling the carpet and storing it without drying it will cause mold growth and once mold starts growing, it spreads very fast to the rest of the house.
Call For Help
At this point, if there is extensive damage, call for water damage restoration professionals. They have all the equipment and are trained to deal with water damaged carpets, and any problems thereof. Do not attempt to restore the water damaged carpets if you have no professional knowledge, otherwise you will make an already bad situation worse.
Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning has professional, certified staff who are experts when it comes to dealing with water damaged carpets. The first thing we do is to stop the water flow, disinfection and ventilation of the room, removal of the soaked water padding and the setting up of industrial fans to speed up the carpet drying process. If the water damage is too much, the carpet is treated at our facility. For more information on our services, feel free to contact us at 201-445-0800 or email us on Info@RugClean.net today!
Do Your Carpets Smell Bad After Water Damage?
Whenever you have a plumbing accident in your home, it might leave your carpet smelly and damaged. When this happens, most people contemplate disposing of the carpet, especially because of the smell. This, however, does not have to be the only option open to you. Here are some things that you can do to fix the smell from a water-damaged carpet.
Stop Further Leakage
This is the first step in solving the problem. Ensure that whatever had caused the leak is fixed so that there is no chance that your carpet will get soaked again. If the flooding had happened due to a natural phenomenon, it might help to wait until the flood recedes and the area is dry again.
Dry the Carpet Completely
Carefully remove the carpet from the floor and move it outside. If it is a wall to wall carpet, ensure that you remove the baseboards from the walls. Make sure that you have taken the under padding as well. Put the carpet and the under padding in the sun to dry. If sunshine is not an option (for example it could be winter), you might want to look at other options for drying your carpet. These include using dehumidifiers, and fans to constantly blow air across the carpeted area and eventually dry the carpet.
Remove the Smell
When your carpet and room are completely dry, you move on to the next step which is to remove the smell. Carefully apply baking soda on the areas that had moisture and leave the baking soda to sit for not less than 24 hours. It is critical for the carpet to be completely dry because if it is not, the baking soda sticks on the carpet. Once the 24 hours are done, carefully vacuum the baking soda off the carpet. If you don’t have access to baking soda, white vinegar works just as well. Mix with water in a 50:50 ratio and then allow it to dry. Apply it to the carpet when it dries.
Get Professional Help
Sometimes the water seeps so deep into the fibers of the carpet that it is impossible to remove the odor without professional help. In such cases, it becomes necessary to use a professional carpet cleaner. When you take your carpet to a professional cleaner, they use commercial steam cleaners to deep clean it.
At Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning, we specialize in solving all your carpet-cleaning problems. Whether you need your water damaged carpet cleaned or restored, we have the right tools and experience for the job. As there is no substitute for the right equipment, we employ the latest technology to get your carpets and rugs sparkling. We have a state-of-the-art rug cleaning plant and a climate-controlled drying room. This way, you can expect only the best services from us. For more information about our services contact us at 201-445-0800 or email us on Info@RugClean.net today!
A Fun Way To Repurpose Excess Rug Pads
During rug installation, it’s a good idea to also consider using rug pads underneath them. They do a great job of not only making the rug feel softer, but they also have some sound absorbent properties that can make your home more comfortable. Homes that have wall to wall carpeting can particularly benefit from this. Rug pads can also increase the life of rugs, so are ideal when installing expensive rugs.
From time to time, you may find that the rug pads are more than you need. Rather than throwing them away, you can restore and repurpose your rugs for other uses including:
Making DIY Scratching Posts
If you own a cat, having a scratching post is a great way to reduce the chances of damaging the furniture. With excess rug pads, this is not difficult to do even if you are not proficient at DIY projects. All you need is a square plank of wood, some screws, a drill, a hot glue gun, scissors and a staple gun. The basic premise of making such a post is wrapping the rug pads around the post, after covering the post with some glue. Of course, this is after cutting the rug pads to size. The rug pads can then be fixed in place using screws and staples. You can use different materials to make the scratching pole more attractive to your cat as well.
Winterizing Your Home
You can use rug pads to reduce the effect of cold during winter. A good example of this is where you store your fireplace logs. These tend to get wet during the winter, making them difficult to light and produce a lot of smoke. You can use rug pads to insulate the location of the logs, so that they stay dry and warm.
The same logic can also be used for some rooms in the house, such as your basement. Since the floor of a basement tends to get very cold during winter, you can cover it using rug pads if you intend to use it regularly. All you need is some mounting tape, a ruler and scissors to cut the rug pads to size and then place them around the floor.
Cabinet and Drawer Lining
Rug pads can also be used to create linings for cabinets and drawers. This gives them an exclusive feel, and also makes it safer to store delicate items in them. A drawer in which you place jewelry, for example, would greatly benefit from rug pads since they eliminate the risk of scratching. The key to making this work is ensuring that you get the dimensions right, so that the pads don’t end up crumpling up.
These are just a few of the creative ways in which you can use extra rug pads; the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
When Should You Get Rug Repair Or Restoration?
After having your rug for so long, especially when there is a lot of traffic in the area where it is located, you would definitely have to check at some point whether or not your rug needs to be sent for repairs. While some people may not bother to repair spoilt rugs and choose to throw them away, other rugs may be very expensive or have sentimental value, or indeed be the perfect rug for the space, and should be preserved at all costs. In this case, you would want to know how to notice if your rug is indeed in need of rug repair services. Here are several points you can look out for to help you identify if it is time to be calling up a professional rug restoration company.
If The Pile Changes Texture
Flattening or stiffness are telltale signs that your rug is no longer the lush surface it used to be. The rug can still be restored, however, so don’t let go of it just yet.
If You Notice Dry Rot, Moth Damage, Or Holes
Textiles made of cellulose fibers such as jute, flax, or cotton, tend to be susceptible to dry rot. Dry rot can occur over time in the presence of moisture that is not dried out completely. When this happens, the fibers gradually become weaker and weaker, and the fibers are degraded to lose its integrity and quality. If you notice dry rot, moth damage or any other holes, call up a restoration service to help.
If The Fringe Is Loose Or Worn Out
The fringe of your rug, if it has any, may be loose or seem like it is coming off the rug itself. Try not to simply pull it off, as we can fix the fringe back on with additional support to make sure it stays in place.
If The Rug Binding Shows Signs Of Wear
If you look beneath the rug and notice the binding seems to be pulling apart, do not fret or throw it away! This issue is easily fixed by professionals, who will sew over the binding in the exact same pattern it was originally done, so that the restoration looks seamless.
If You Have Animals
Animals can be the best gift to us humans, but they can also bring trouble! Animals love to scratch rugs, chew them, or rub against them as they play, leaving worn spots or holes in the rug. Sending the rug for professional rug restoration can help you bring your beautiful back to life.
If Your Rug Doesn’t Fit Your New Space
Some people may not realize that you can get your rug modified to fit a new space. Say you are moving, and you need your rug to be smaller in size. Professionals can help you to cut your rug down to a size that is more suitable for your new space.
Tile Maintenance: Keeping Mildew At Bay
Part and parcel of living in a house with tile flooring is that you would have to clean your floors regularly if you want the floor to look good. But sweeping or mopping the floor is not enough when it comes to cleaning the grout in between the tiles, which over time would have collected packed layers of soil, dirt, and even mold and mildew, which can pose some health risks to your family. Few may know that grout is actually porous, and it tends to absorb all the dirt and debris that falls onto it. Hence, you need proper tile maintenance services to keep your tiles and grout clean and beautiful.
General Tile Cleaning
Most homeowners or main tenants would require a general tile cleaning of their floors, either a routine one after a cycle of a few years, or because they have to clean the tiles before handing over the keys to the landlord. A professional tile cleaning service from Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning involves pre-treating the affected tiles to loosen up topical residue, contaminants, accumulated soil and grease, with family-safe products that do not produce any toxic fumes. Next, the tiles’ surface and grout lines will be agitated with special serrated bristles, followed by a splash-free, high-pressure hot water rinse to dislodge and wash away the dirt and grime. Finally, the tiles are subjected to a speedy drying process, a final inspection, and a layer of protective coating to prevent them from being easily stained in future. Not only is tile cleaning pleasing to the eye, it also kills mold and mildew flourishing in the grout, killing bacteria and germs that can be harmful to health, and making your home safer for your loved ones.
Water Damage Restoration
Perhaps water has seeped under your tiles and caused water damage. This can happen when water from a shower or bathtub leaks behind surfaces which have been improperly caulked, for example. If this happens, tiles may be loosened from behind and break or become damaged. More significantly though, mildew can grow behind the tile, potentially causing allergic reactions and health problems. It is therefore imperative to restore tiles that have been affected by water damage, and get rid of the mildew as soon as possible.
Long Lasting Prevention
Aside from the layer of protective coating which we will apply to your tiles upon a successful tile cleaning procedure, there is more that can be done to ensure your tiles stay clean and mildew-free for years to come. Depending on the needs of your situation, the grout may be sealed off to reduce the porosity of its surface and make it much harder for mildew to develop there. Another possibility is to recaulk your bathroom especially if there was water damage before, so as to prevent such a disaster from happening again. With a professional consultation, you can get recommendations as to what can and should be done to make your home clean and safe for this generation and the next.
Say NO to DIY rug cleaning!
The easiest way to spruce up a living room has always been the inclusion of an area rug. These rugs are generally very large, covering a significant amount of the floor surface in the living room, or even bedroom. And due to their size as well as quality, area rugs can be very expensive – which is why you don’t want to replace them, you want them to last for years. The best way to maintain the quality and longevity of your rug is to send it for cleaning, especially before dirt and mold cause the fibers to weaken and lead to irreparable damage. But should you do your own rug cleaning? Read on to find out why you should leave that to professionals.
They Are Very Valuable
Would anyone spend a lot of money on an area rug, only to destroy it by their own hands? Rugs can be very expensive, especially Oriental or high pile rugs, and some have value beyond just the monetary – they may be a souvenir from your travels, or given to you by your parents or grandparents. Some rugs are even considered works of art and family heirlooms, giving it a greater value than ever. As such, only the greatest care should be shown to cleaning and treating a soiled rug. Different rugs require different type of care, which a rug cleaning professional would be able to advise you on. With the right kind of attention, rugs can be saved from early deterioration, and last a lifetime or even more.
They Can Be Fragile
Many rugs, in particular Oriental or Persian rugs, are delicately handmade from natural materials. They would certainly not be able to survive a hard scrubbing as you might give your wall-to-wall carpet. Furthermore, they would not be able to withstand harsh chemicals, rough cleaning brushes, and inexperienced hands, which can do more harm than good to your precious decorative piece. Even if you have a carpet cleaning machine to use at home, do not use it on these types of delicate, fragile rugs, unless you are prepared to say goodbye to them forever.
They Are Made Of Special Fibers
Synthetic fibers are generally easy to clean, using a steam cleaner or home use carpet cleaning machine. However, some rugs are cut from a different cloth – rather, made from different materials. The complex natural fibers that many special rugs are made of, such as silk, wool, cotton or jute, would not stand up well against a harsh steam cleaning. Upon closer inspection you can see the natural tiny crevices and imperfections in the weave that make these rugs difficult to clean. No machine for these gems – you would need to send them for professional cleaning by hand.
Dirt May Be Compressed
If this rug has gone uncleaned for a while, chances are that with repeated footfall over your rug, any dirt that has been there would have been pressed down deeper and deeper into the rug with every step. Rugs are made differently from carpets in that they are thicker and have more fibers per square inch. Therefore, it is much more difficult to remove dirt from these thick fibers as compared to carpets.
Removing Grease Stains On Your Area Rugs
Area rugs cover a large amount of the floor, and it seems almost impossible that an area rug can go on for years without somebody accidentally spilling a plate of spaghetti and meatballs onto it. The worst rug stains possible would likely be grease stains, as the indelible lipid fats and oils penetrate deep into the rugs’ fibers, making them extremely difficult to remove. Of course, a serious grease stain on your area rug should be treated professionally as it is probably impossible for you to clean by hand, but if it is a small stain, it may be possible to treat it yourself for the time being, before you send it for its regular thorough overall cleaning treatment. Here are two ways you can try to clean your area rugs.
The Scrubbing + Dry Spotter Method
IMPORTANT: This method is not recommended for Oriental rugs or rugs made from natural fibers! Such rugs are delicate and would not hold up against scrubbing. You should not attempt to clean them by yourself; instead, you should call a professional cleaning company to ask what can be done.
For this method, you need a brush, a clean white cloth, and cornmeal. You would also need liquid dry cleaning solvent and coconut oil, as well as an absorbent pad.
First, blot the grease stain with the cloth to soak up as much as possible. Then, apply cornmeal to the stain, which should absorb most of the oils. With a stuff bristled brush, brush the stain out firmly, taking care not to damage your area rug.
If you can still see the grease, take a clean sponge and apply a special dry spotter. You can make this using 8 parts liquid dry cleaning solvent and 1 part coconut oil. Use an absorbent pad to cover the stain with more dry spotter. The pad should begin picking up the stain. If not, try the next method of removal.
The Wet Spotter Method
This method calls for a sponge, water, white vinegar, dishwashing detergent, and glycerine. You also need a bottle and an absorbent pad.
With a clean, wet sponge, pat the stain. Then put a few drops of white vinegar on it, along with a wet spotter. You can make this using one part dishwashing detergent, 8 parts water, and 1 part glycerine, shaken well and stored in a plastic bottle. Pour a significant quantity of the wet spotter onto a clean, absorbent pad, placing the pad directly on the grease stain. You may need to replace the pad with a new one soaked in wet spotter as the grease stain is slowly absorbed. Repeat the process as many times as necessary in order to clean the grease stain. The downside of this method is that your rug may take on the strong smell of vinegar, but if it works it may be worth it, and you can try to air out the rug later on.
How To Deal With Water Damage On Your Carpet
Almost anybody who owns a carpet would have had some kind of experience with carpet water damage. Whether it’s a leak from an air-conditioning unit or an unfortunate incidence of flooding, your carpets may have suffered water damage in the past. A crucial factor in salvaging carpets from water damage is how quickly the carpet is able to be dried. The longer you wait to dry the carpet, or indeed the longer it takes for someone to realize there is water soaking the carpet, the higher chance there is for the carpet to become permanently affected by water damage. Though the best way to fix a serious case of water damage is to call in a professional carpet cleaning company, there are steps you can take at home as preliminary steps to minimize the problem.
Step One
The first thing you must do is to is to remove the water from the carpet. A waterlogged carpet would promote a higher chance of bacteria, mold, and mildew growth. If the waterlogged carpet is located in the basement, the risk of such microbes in the water is double due to natural higher humidity levels deeper underground. Removing the water will immediately help minimize physical damage to the carpets.
Step Two
Remove items affected by pooling water, and check for mold growing on them. Search for possible hidden areas of water saturation, especially within walls, where mold may be growing. Make sure that you have chased down every last corner that might potentially have absorbed any water. Keep a special eye out for any wooden surfaces or items, or anything else that may absorb water such as fabrics, or even porous substances like brick walls and mortar between joints.
Step Three
Sanitize the items that were affected by water, including all surfaces and upholstery if they were also affected. Deodorize everything that has smells, as bad smells tend to be indicative of bacteria and pathogens that can foster, and cause illness in people.
At this point, you should decide if you need to throw away your carpet or not. If you find that the carpet is too badly damaged to be salvaged, there is no point trying to sanitize it. Generally speaking, if the water was clean, it would be fine to keep the carpet; if it was sewage water or contained toxic chemicals, however, it’s likely time to replace your rug. If you need a second opinion as to whether or not your carpet is salvageable, you can speak to a professional carpet cleaner and restorer.
Step Four
If you are keeping the carpet, you will need to dry it properly. Hang it up in a windy place, or use a vacuum device or high powered fans. The less time it takes to dry the carpet, the less time mold has to grow.
Step Five
Once dried, steam clean the carpet so as to fully sanitize it and kill the germs. This is also a good time to check if the carpet needs any repair or restoration work, such as replacing the padding underneath the carpet, which would be likely cheaper than replacing the carpet.